Essay about Biblical Themes in Shakespeares the Tempest

Biblical Themes in Shakespeares The Tempest Shakespeare is one of the most prolific and admired writers who ever lived. He certainly knew his craft and was familiar with all of the literature available at the time. One of the greatest books ever written was of course the bible. Written over the course of more than a thousand years it is a miracle in itself that the book exists. Shakespeare knew his bible, and his work often incorporated and examined biblical themes. Shakespeares last completed work was The Tempest, and it is as complex and deeply moving as any of his works. Readers of the play respond on a much deeper level than the literal. In and of itself it is actually a very simple tale, it is the characters who are†¦show more content†¦Corruption and brutality are evil and problematic in the end for the power wielder, as when Pharaoh and all his subjects lose their firstborn children to the wrath of God for their mistreatment of his chosen people. Gonzalo is representative of the righteous power figure; he helped Prospero and his daughter to escape after Antonio usurped Prosperos title. Alonso represents the negative, or corruption of power; he aided Antonio in usurping Prosperos power. Prospero mirrors both in the differing ways he treats Ariel and Caliban. A case can certainly be made that it is precisely because of Prosperos treatment differs so does the servants willingness to serve differ. Shakespeares Prospero also mirrors Joseph from Genesis. Both characters are betrayed by their brothers and cast out into exile from their homes. Both characters are transformed by their exile. Prospero like all who visit the island is changed by it, and Joseph is transformed from lowliest slave or prisoner to mighty lieutenant of Potiphar or Pharaoh. Lois Feuer states, self-redemption, so crucial to our understanding of the protagonists, comes as each returns himself to the social context (Milan; the group of brothers and father) from which he has been isolated. (2.) The theme of mercy and retribution is developed throughout the bible. Both Joseph and Prospero chose not to take advantage of their power to seek revenge uponShow MoreRelated biblical themes in shakespeares the tempest Essay1713 Words   |  7 Pages Biblical Themes in Shakespeare’s The Tempest nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Shakespeare is one of the most prolific and admired writers who ever lived. He certainly knew his craft and was familiar with all of the literature available at the time. One of the greatest books ever written was of course the bible. Written over the course of more than a thousand years it is a miracle in itself that the book exists. 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